LEXINGTON, Va. -- Washington and Lee Athletic Director Mike
Walsh has announced that Rick Matthews has been promoted to
Assistant Lacrosse Coach and Athletic Department Coordinator for
Underrepresented Students. He begins his appointment
immediately.

"It is with great pleasure that we offer this unique, dual
appointment to Rick Matthews," said Walsh. "He has done outstanding
work as an assistant coach and our athletes have greatly benefitted
from his teaching skills. Equally important will be his work in
coordinating enrollment for underrepresented students at Washington
and Lee. This position will help the University reach the stated
goals of the Strategic Initiative regarding a more inclusive
student body. We are thrilled that Rick has decided to accept this
position."

"I am anxious to pursue this opportunity with the University,"
said Matthews. "It is a very interesting position because it
includes coaching lacrosse and the opportunity to help further
diversify the school and its athletic teams. I believe that
Washington and Lee and its athletic programs can both benefit from
this position."

Matthews joined W&L as an intern assistant lacrosse coach
this past January and helped guide the Generals to a 14-4 overall
record and an Old Dominion Athletic Conference Championship.
W&L then competed in the NCAA Division III playoffs where it
advanced to the semifinals before falling to Gettysburg
College.

"I am very pleased that Rick will be remaining with the lacrosse
program as an assistant coach," said W&L Head Lacrosse Coach
Mike Cerino. "I believe that having him in this dual position will
not only benefit the lacrosse program, but also the W&L
athletic department and University as a whole."

A 2000 graduate of Limestone College, Matthews served as an
assistant coach at his alma mater before joining the staff at
W&L. He served as the team's offensive coordinator and face-off
unit coach, guiding the Saints' offense which ranked first in
Division II in scoring. He also helped Limestone to a runner-up
finish in the Division II National Championship.

As a player, Matthews helped lead Limestone to the 2000 Division
II National Championship. He captained the 2000 squad and was named
a USILA First Team All-American as a midfielder.

Active in the sport, Matthews has served an internship in
membership services with U.S. Lacrosse and played professional
lacrosse with the Ottawa Rebels of the National Lacrosse
League.